V1638 served with the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment. Photo from Imperial War Museums

Early production Albemarle. This photo is sometimes dated March 6, 1942 but the IWM caption says was taken after assembly by AW Hawksey at the factory aerodrome (known as Hucclecote at the time). 13 Albemarles had flown by the end of the 1941 and P1372 was the 13th Albemarle. The date might be the date the photo was received by the records office. Following trials with the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, P1372 served with No. 511 Squadron RAF and No. 42 Operational Training Unit. Photo from: Imperial War Museums

Originally designed by Bristol and first flown in March 1940, the Albemarle bomber featured nosewheel landing gear but was built of welded steel tubes and wood to conserve light alloys, and was adaped to serve as a transport and glider tug. 600 examples were manufactured by the AW Hawksley factory in Brockworth, set up by AW and Hawker Siddeley. This one was used by No 511 Sqn here at Lyneham for flights to Gibraltar. Photo by: W Bellamy / Imperial War Museums